2014 Volkswagen Passat TSI: What's It's Like Driving Uphill

July 10, 2014

I like to drive each of our long-term cars into the hills of nearby Palos Verdes to judge how easy or difficult they find the climb.

On this particular trip, the weather outside was very hot and I had the air conditioner pumping very high. Our long-term 2014 Volkswagen Passat TSI did not hesitate at all. There was no struggle to maintain speed during the climb. The Passat remained impressively smooth and steady. I could even pass without the car feeling reluctant.

Our SEL Premium's new torque-rich turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder is impressive. Combined with a six-speed automatic that is quick to downshift, the Passat makes hill-climbing effortless.